Jack "JackM" Manderino

DaveKile

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It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of longtime Paflyfish moderator Jack "JackM" Manderino. Jack was a vital part of our community from the early days of the forum. He was always very active on the site, known for his support of others and his great sense of humor.

As a moderator, Jack helped navigate the early challenges of building an online community—back when there were no rulebooks for how things should work. He always saw the best in people and encouraged us to take a light-touch approach in our roles. He also played a key role in shaping clear and concise community guidelines.

Jack had recently retired and joined us at this year’s Paflyfish Spring Jamboree. His honesty, good nature, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed.

I’ll be adding more in the comments, including details from his obituary and information about upcoming services.

_________________________________________________________________
Alan "Jack" Manderino
April 25, 1963 — October 1, 2025
Obituary

Alan “Jack” Manderino of Monessen passed away at home at the age of 62. Jack was a beloved father, uncle, and brother. Jack was a hilarious jokester, and his goofy sense of humor will always be remembered by his loved ones. He was extremely intelligent and loved to philosophize, impart wisdom, and write poetry. He was a wonderful and loyal friend to many. Jack was a compassionate public defender for over 35 years, and he dedicated his life to advocating equally for all. He truly served his community. He was also an encouraging mentor for many young attorneys and colleagues. Jack went to Monessen High School (Class of 1981), Penn State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee Law School in 1988. Jack had two children with Vera Pallini, Connie and Gino, whom he loved dearly. Jack loved music, especially Bob Dylan, and it could often be heard playing throughout his home, usually with him singing loudly alongside it. He never missed an opportunity to show off his silly, eccentric dance moves. Jack loved fishing with his son and looked forward to his annual Fly-Fishing Jamboree at Seven Mountains Campground by State College. Jack is the son of the late James and Constance Manderino. He is survived by his daughter Connie Manderino and his son Gino Manderino, his siblings Kathy Manderino and Tom Manderino, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his brothers Anthony Manderino and Jim Manderino. Friends and family will be received on Sunday, October 5 from 3p to 6p at the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Ave, Monessen, PA 15062. A blessing will take place on Monday, October 6 at 9:30a at Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home followed by a Christian burial mass at 10:00a at Epiphany of our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 44 Pennsylvania Blvd, Monessen PA, 15062. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
 
Though I never met him personally, I thought I knew him pretty well from all the interactions we participated in on the message boards. I will miss his insights into a lot of things.

I hope he finds clear streams and lots of hatches so he can fish with dry flies on the "other side."

I extend my sincerest sympathy to his family.
 
This is terrible news. 62? Make every day count folks. I only met Jack twice but like Swattie said he made you feel like you knew him forever. I stayed up and chatted with him pretty late Saturday at the jam this year. Glad I had the opportunity. Met his son Gino and his girlfriend too.

Condolences to his family, both blood and here at PAFF, I know quite a few of you here were pretty close with him.
 
Dear Board,

This is terrible news. For reasons not entirely known Jack and I became fast friends when I day tripped to a Jam at Hemlock Acres 20 years ago. He was one of a kind, and I will miss him. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. He lived this Dylan song!

Forever Young

Song by​

Bob Dylan
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
Climb on every rung
And may you stay
Forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see their light surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay
Forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay
Forever young
Forever young
Forever young
May you stay
Forever young

Regards,

Tim Murphy
 
Dear Board,

This is terrible news. For reasons not entirely known Jack and I became fast friends when I day tripped to a Jam at Hemlock Acres 20 years ago. He was one of a kind, and I will miss him. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. He lived this Dylan song!
He was a huge Dylan fan. His Hemlock Acres Jamborees were always good stories. He and Rudy always seem to have it out.
 
This is a tough one to swallow. Jack and I were always the last to go to sleep at the Jams. Sometimes too late...or early as the sunrise often chased us to bed. We solved many world problems I can tell you. Its true he always saw the good in people and we have had our differences but always remained friends. Back in the previous century we met at Yellow Creek for the first time fishing together. The water temp was 70 degrees and we promised not to mention that to anybody. Another time we crawled under a box car on a train track in Porters Sidling when he met me at the Codorus. The train was idling but it definitely was an exhilaration. We laughed when we emerged from the other side. I have many memories with him that I am remembering right now. As I wipe a tear I will raise a glass of a fine bourbon tomorrow night for Jack. God speed brother.
 
Did some all-nighters with Jack. He was very smart, opinionated, adroit, etc. A special kind of personality. Lover of music. I don't know for sure but I think I only ever actually fished with him once. And he didn't fish. He built seats out of streamside woody debris. Boyer and gfen were there. And even TonyC (hope you're still out there brother). I was confounded that Jack was content building log furniture and watching us flog the water. How could he not want to fish? Maybe fishing isn't everything. Well anyway, I'm saddened to hear of his passing and I hope he's well on the other side. For the rest of us, don't take any days for granted. You only get so many Springs. God bless.
 
Poured one out for Jack a little bit ago and I swear I heard him scold me for wasting bourbon. He was the best of dudes. I knew him before the board as a ****y public defender in Westmoreland County. Used to interview him when I was at channel 11. He defended those who couldn't afford to defend themselves. Whether they liked it or not. He felt strongly about every individual having the right to someone like him in their corner. He told great stories and was just as good at listening.

I looked forward to Jack wandering up onto the porch at the Jam and I believe others showed up with the same expectations. As others mentioned he was no stranger to sunrises that snuck up on us at Jams. Arguments over ice, inevitable downpours and requests for Dylan made to anyone carrying six strings to the pavilion. Jack and the Jams were synonymous.

We had the same birthday and his first name (Alan) was my middle name. He was a good friend and a master fly in a tree rescuer. He was a determined fly fisherman. He was my friend. And he will be missed.
 
So sorry to hear this.

I still remember meeting him during my first jamboree at hemlock acres.
As usual, it was pouring down rain.
And there was a group of us standing around the fire at night with raincoats on.
Seemed like a miserable night to me.

But not to Jack.
He was still firing off wise cracks and jokes left and right
His light spirit was enough to keep me up late on that drenching night.

We should have a bourbon toast to him at next years jam
 
RIP
We never met in person that I recall.
He kept us civil on these boards and he will be missed.
May Jack find the happiness and his eternal reward he sought here on earth.
 
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